Closure device



D. FREEDMAN CLOSURE DEVICE Jan. 24, 1939.

Filed Jan. 11, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l g z r INVENTOR PAY/J1 FREEPMAN I TTORNEY.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 D. FREEDMAN CLOSURE DEVICE Filed Jan. 11, 1937 Ja n. 24, 1939.

w a F INVENTOR v DAV/P PMAN BYfi' V ms ATTORNEY.

Jan. 24, 1939. D. FREEDMAN 5 CLOSURE DEVICE Filed Jan. 11, 1937 3 She ts-Sheet 3 uauam I XNVENTOR 11 FREEMAN W H: A TORNEY.

Patented Jan. 24, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLOSURE DEVICE Application January 11, 1937, Serial No. 120,011

11 Claims.

'Ihis invention relates broadly to new constructions of closure devices.

One of the objects of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device which when actuated into closed condition provides an air-tight hermetical seal for the container on and upon which it is disposed, and used.

- Another object of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device which when actuated into closed condition tends to remain in such condition and is locked in such condition, subject to the application of proper and sufficient force to effect an unlocking effect thereupon.

Another object of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device adapted to ready application and use upon any container, bag, or like article which it is desired be afforded an air-tight hermetical seal thereby.

Another object of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device which may be manually actuated from open into closed condition and when so actuated will lock in closed condition.

Another object of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device employing essentially resilient parts which are readily deformable so that such parts may be joined into locked condition by slight manual pressure.

A still further object of this invention is the creation of a construction of closure device which is adaptable to universal application to any article or articles in or upon which a simplified, ready and easily operable closure device is desired.

A still further object of this invention is the creation of a plurality of variant possible embodiments of closure device construction employing the principles of my invention.

A still further object of this invention is the creation of closure device constructions fabricated of such materials and so constructed that the same may be utilized without the employment of auxiliary mechanisms such as slides, fastening devices separate from the closure device construction, or the like.

A still further object of this invention is the creation of closure device constructions having the parts thereof which are to be joined and disconnected at the users election fabricated of material which has been formed, molded and/or extruded into desired suitable finished shape.

A still further object of this invention is the creation of suitable reinforcing means adaptable to use in conjunction with closure device constructions of the type herein described, which reinforcing means are adapted to provide a prechosen configuration to the closure device constructions, if the employment of such means he desired.

A still further object of this invention is to provide closure device constructions of the type herein described, the component parts of which are strip-like in form and soarranged that one of said parts is adapted to be held in a channel formed in the other over its length.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention than those hereinabove mentioned will appear more fully hereinafter. It is to be understood, that the specific forms shown are merely l5 illustrative and hence the detailed description thereof is not to be taken as limiting the invention itself.

The invention resides substantially in the parts, as well as in the combination, construc- 90 tion, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, it will be found as that:

Fig. 1 illustrates a manual closing of a bag provided with one of the embodiments of closure device construction of my invention;

Fig. 2 represents a top plan view of said bag 80 in open condition;

Fig. 3 represents a top plan view of said bag in closed condition;

Fig. 4 represents a sectional view taken along the section line 4-4 in Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the cooperating elements of said embodiment of closure device construction in disengaged position;

Fig. 5 represents a similar sectional view, but showing the cooperating elements of said embodiment of closure device construction illustrated in a possible position they may assume when being brought together to eflect engagement;

Fig. 6 represents a sectional view taken along 46 the section line 6-4 in Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the cooperating elements of said embodiment of closure device construction in engaged position;

Fig. 7 represents a similar sectional view, but 50 showing the cooperating elements of said embodiment of closure device construction illustrated in a possible position they may assume when being separated to effect disengagement;

Fig. 8 represents a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of a variant possible embodiment of closure device construction of my invention;

Fig. 9 represents a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but .of the said variant possible embodiment of closure device construction shown in Fig. 8;

Fig.10 represents a sectional viewv similar to that of Fig. 4, with particular reierenceto position of cooperating elements, but of a second variant possible embodiment of closure device construction of my invention;

Fig. 11 represents a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of the said second variant possible embodiment of closure device construction shown in Fig. 10;

' Fig. 12' represents a sectional viewsimilarto' that of Fig. 4, with particular reference to posi I construction shown in Fig. 12

Fig. 14 represents a sectional view similar to that'of Fig. 4, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of a fourth variant possible embodiment of closure device construction of myinvention;

Fig. 15 representsa sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of the said fourth variant possible embodiment of closure device construction shown in Fig. 14: I

Fig. 16 represents a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of a fifth variant possible embodiment of closure device construction of my invention;

Fig. 17 represents a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6, with particular reference to position of cooperating elements, but of the said fifth variant possible embodiment of closure device construction shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a front elevational view showing two elements of material joined together over a' given length by one of my embodiments of closure device construction; and

Fig. 19 represents a sectional view taken along the section line l9--l9 in Fig. 18, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the cooperating elements of said embodiment of closure device construction in engaged condition.

It is the purpose of this invention to make more useful and improved closure device constructions. In the past different closure devices or separable fasteners of various types and constructions employing cooperating resilient or semi-resilient elements have been devised. However, as far as I have found, such devices, with but few exceptions, have met with indifferent or little or no commercial adoption and success. The reasons for this, I believe have been that such devices as have been devisedwere either difficult to make and to use or else did not provide an effective and secu're closure or else necessitatedthe employment of extra anda'lien elements suchas slides, coupling mechanisms or the like. Moreover such devices were expensive to produce, usually complicated to afnx and. use and often of very short effective life.

Accordingly, it has been mypurpose to create closure device constructions free of the aforementioned disadvantages and which are simple, cheap, rugged, and secure to make and use. Likewise to make those not employing a solid bead or penetrating element.

Turning now to the drawings, it will be observed that by way of illustration I have shown in Fig. -1 a small bag i such, for example, as might be used as a tobacco bag or pouch, having secured along its upper edges one of the embodiments of closure device construction of my invention- It will be understood that securement may be effected by any suitable means such, for example; as vulcanizing one of the cooperating I elements of the closure device to the material of or materials employed in the elements andthe bag sides are such that vulcanization cannot be employed, then, and in that event,- by other appropriate and suitable means for effecting securement such as cementing, gluing, etc.

At this point I desire to bring out that while in Fig. 1 I illustrate my closure device construction as applied to the material of a tobacco pouch or bag i of rubber or the like, that it should be understood that the closure devices which I hereplications, thus the same may be employed in connection with bags and containers of all sorts and nature, and in fact may be adapted to use whenever it is desired to create a ready means of joining two edges of material together over a given length as will be made more fully apparent hereinafter.

It should be understood that each closure device construction includes two cooperating elements of strip-like form of predetermined length sumcient to serve the desired purpose.

Turning to Fig. 4, it will be noted that I have there shown a sectional view through the two cooperating strip-like elements which go to make up one of the embodiments of my closure device. One of these elements 3, is provided with a channel, groove or slot 5 therein, running longitudinally over the length thereof and the other of said elements 4 is provided with 9. Joined booklike protuberance 6, preferably integral therewith and which runs longitudinally over the length thereof. Each of strip-like elements 3 and 4 is provided at a convenient place along the body of the strip such, for example, as on the top surface of the respective strips with an extension, lug or finger-grip 2 which is securely joined thereto and preferably is integral with the particular element on which it is mounted. Elements 3 and 4 are preferably fabricated of resilient or semi-resilient material throughout, such as rubber, compositions thereof, or the like, and it will be understood that elements 3 and 4 and all parts carried thereon are accordingly essentially deformable. The hook-like protuberance 8 over its length, it should be understood, is intended to be injected into and received and held in the channel, groove or slot 3 over the indisclose are adaptable to wide and varied aplength of the strip containing said channel, groove or slot 5.

Each of elements 3 and 4 are respectively so proportioned, and provided with such corresponding internal facings as will permit said elements to be brought together and closely fit and seat against each other when the hook-like protuberance 8, over the length thereof has been completely disposed within the channel, groove or slot 3, and the elements 3 and 4 are in closed position as shown in Fig. 6. Thus, element 3 is provided with internal vertical walls I and I and element 4' is provided with internal vertical walls 8 and [0. Further, element 3 is provided with an internal horizontal wall ii and element 4 is provided with an internal horizontal wall l2. Element 3 is provided with an external top wall i3 and element 4 is provided with an external top wall l4. An inspection of Fig. 4 will make it clear that these walls are so arranged that when elements 3 and 4 are brought into the positions shown in Fig. 6, wall 1 will lie against wall 8; wall II will lie against and on top of wall l2; wall 8 will lie against wall l8; and top walls l3 and M will fall in alignment in one plane to make a smooth close internal fit of elements 3 and 4 and present a smooth continuous top surface. In this connection, it should be understood that walls I and ii provide a shoulder against which the portion of element 4 defined by walls 3 and I2 ultimately abuts when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 6.

- It next should be noted that according to my construction the opening into the channel, groove or slot 5 is from and substantially at right angles to the vertical wall 8 and that such opening is effective to divide the element 3 along its length into an upper rib-like or lip-like portion 2| and a lower rib-like or lip-like portion 22,

which rib-like or lip-like portions of course, are joined to and are integral parts of the element 3. "It'should be further noted that the protuberance 6 which is preferably integral with element 4 arises from wall Ill at substantially right angles with respect thereto.

I preferably form my channel, groove or slot 5 of such shape that when thehook-like protuberance 6 is completely disposed therewithin,

the said channel, groove or slot is not completely filled thereby, but rather to the contrary is of such internal configuration as to leave an empty space i5 particularly shown in Fig. 6 between the upper surface of the hook-like protuberance 6 and the surface of the upper portion of the channel, groove or slot 5 lying thereabove, which space I conveniently term a "by-pass", since I have found that the same is helpful in permitting the part additional freedom of movev merit while engagement thereof is being eflected.

Further, I preferably so shape the hook-like protuberance 6, that, when not deformed, a lower portion thereof l6 has its lowest surface point i'l lying vertically somewhat below the lowest point IS on the internal surface of channel, groove or slot 5 when the same also is not deformed and when the respective elements are in the open and disengaged position shown in Fig. 4.

I also arrange and shape the free end of edge of the hook-like protuberance 8 so that the same terminates in a relatively sharp edge l9 extending over the length of the protuberance on the striplike element 4 and correspondingly I provide the rib-like or lip-like portion 22 of element 3 adjacent the opening into the channel, groove or slot I with a relatively sharp edge 28 extending over the length of strip-like element 3; and the portion 22 is formed with an internal hook portion 23 Having thus described the construction of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to "I, inclusive, I will now briefly describe the manner of use and operation thereof.

When it is desired to effect a closure, that is to say, when it is desired to bring elements 3 and 4 from open position as shown in Fig. 4 into closed position as shown in Fig. 6, the strips may be grasped substantially as shown in Fig- 1 and striplike element 4 carrying the hook-like protuberance 8 urged towards element 3 and said hook-like protuberance urged to spread apart the rib-like or lip-like portions 2| and 22 of element 3 and enter into the channel, groove or slot 6.

Since, as aforesaid, the parts are deformable, proper pressure directed transversely of a strip section can have the effect of deforming hookllke protuberance 8 so that lower portion l8 thereof is raised and made to assume a position close and parallel to what may be termed the shank" portion of such protuberance, such, for example, as the position thereof shown in Fig. 5. The free end of said protuberance is thus rendered compressed and of decreased vertical height and said protuberance presents to the opening into the channel, groove or slot 3, a tongue having what is effectively tantamount to a solid free protruding end.

However, it should be understood that even when the free end, of the hook-like protuberance 6 is completely compressed back on itself and its vertical heighth decreased, still such heighth will be greater than the vertical heighth of the opening from the wall 8 into the channel, groove or slot 5, and that sustained pressure will have the effect of wedging and injecting the compressed free end of the protuberance into said opening to effect penetration. Since element 3 is deformable, the upper rib-like or lip-like portion 2| thereof deforms and tilts upwardly carrying therewith the top wall l3 and the upper portion of wall 8, while the lower rib-like or lip-like portion 22 and its hook portion 23 also deforms but tilts downwardly carrying therewith the lower portion of wall 8 and wall ll. Hook portion 23 being forced downwardly, the same is compressed and deformed. Further, the internal surface of the channel, groove or slot 5 is deformed and distorted into increased vertical heighth and decreased horizontal width, and the opening from wall 8 into said channel, groove or slot is increased in vertical heighth due to the rib-like or lip-like portions 2| and 22 of element 3 being pushed and spread apart under the wedging action of the compressed free end of protuberance 6.

Accordingly lower portion ii of protuberance 6 passes over hook portion 23 of rib-like or lip-like portion 22, each, during the passage, continuing to be deformed and compressed and reciprocally exerting upon each other a pressure incident to the tendency of each to becoming non-compressed. Sustained pressure causes protuberance 6 to enter further into the channel, groove or slot 5, over the lengthwise portion of the strip-like elements 3 and 4 where pressure is applied, and penetration thereof to a point where the compressed free end of the protuberance clears the compressed hook portion 23. Once the protuberance has cleared at its free end the hook portion 23 all parts tend to return to the positions shown therefor in Fig. 4, and the free end of said protuberance and hook portion tend to reassume their normal non-compressed curved contour. However, since, as hereinbefore explained, the relative configuration of parts is such that the lowest surface point I! on lower portion it of protuberance 6 lies, when in the position therefor shown in Fig. 4, somewhat below the lowest point [8 on the internal surface: of the channel, groove or slot 5, the result is that portion l6 of protuberance 6 when once within said channel, groove or slot 5, cannot completely "assume the same lowered position that it had when the parts were not engaged as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the compressed free end of the hook-like protuberance 6 when within the channel, groove or slot 5 cannot become completely non-compressed because the portion IB is limited in its downward travel by the lower internal surface of the channel, groove or slot 5.

At this point I desire to make clear that the operations I have described will rapidly take place when a strip section is grasped and squeezed against its complementary strip section between the fingers, and, that if pressure is successively applied over contiguous strip sections from one end of the strips to the other, a complete penetration and closure will be effected.

The presence of the space or by-pass" I5 is helpful during penetration towards facilitating freedom of movement'and ready deforming of parts; and, after penetration, in taking up to a degree the tendency of the free end of the hooklike protuberance 6 to return to non-compressed condition. Thus, since the parts are deformable, the shank like portion of the hook-like protuberance 6 may to a degree expand slightly into the by-pass i5. However, such expansion will not result in a complete return of the free end of the hook-like protuberance 8 to non-compressed condition, but rather to the contrary a pressure will remain between the lower surface of portion it of said protuberance and the lower portion of the internal surface of the channel, groove or slot 5, which pressure will more or less "lock the parts and hold the same against relative free displacement or movement. Moreover, the upper rib-like or lip-like portion 2i upon returning from its upward tilt will, in an action like a leaf spring, tend to clamp down upon the hook-like protuberance 6 at the root" of the shank thereof adjacent the joinder of such protuberance with element 4 at wall It, thus providing a further locking action against free displacement or movement. The presence of the space or "by-pass l5, as is clear, is additionally helpful inenhancing the aforementioned leaf spring action by permitting of the necessary play in the upper rib-like or lip-like portion 2i. Still further it will be observed that once the parts are in the position therefor shown in Fig. 6 that the outer surface of the free end of protuberance 6 closely hugs the inner surface of the channel, groove or slot 5 and the edge is sits against such surface while wall I sits against wall 8, wall I sits against wall I0 and wall Ii sits upon wall l2, all effecting a perfect air-tight hermetical seal and closure.

Having thus described the manner in which locking or closure of the device is effected, I will now briefly describe the manner in which unlocking or disengagement can be attained.

When it is desired to effect disengagement of I elements 8 and 4, or in other words to bring the parts from the position shown therefor in Fig. 6 to that shown in Fig. 4, one element 2 is grasped between the thumb and forefinger of one hand while the other element 2 is grasped between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand and the users hands are pulled apartthereby effecting a tension tending to separate the strips. It should of course be understood that in an embodiment not including any finger grips that the strips themselves may be grasped and that if the strips are of substantial length that the same will have to ,be opened at successive contiguous strip sections over the length thereof.

Irrespective however, whether a complete opening of the closure can be effected in one step or whether the same necessitates a repetition of the openingaction at successive contiguous strip sections over the length thereof, the result of tension is to bring the parts into the position shown therefor in Fig. 7. Wall 9 is pulled away from wall 1, wall I! is pulled from underneath wall ii and wall 8 is laid bare of wall iii. The shank portion of protuberance 8 is pulled out of the opening from wall 8 into the channel, groove or slot 5 and is stretched by the hook-like free end of protuberance 6 and the hook portion 23 remaining engaged until overcome. In this regard it will be observed that edge [9 of the free end of protuberance 6 slides over the internal surface of the channel, groove or slot 5 towards the edge 20 and that the parts hold together right up until a point is reached where suflicient tension is employed to overcome the tendency of the edges to hold on to each other and one'or both deform permitting of disengagement. When such point is reached the protuberance 6 may be withdrawn in toto.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that since the shank portion of protuberance 6 is resilient and may stretch and since the hook portions tend to hold together until a suilicient tension is applied to overcome the same, that a disengagement will not be effected unless the appropriate disengaging tension is applied and with the result that accidental slight tensions are ineffective to open and unlock the closure device. Thus under normal conditions the same will remain closed, whenonce closed, until it is intended that the same be opened and sufficient appropriate tension is applied for such purpose.

At this point it should also be observed that in the event that the closure be employed to effect a seal upon some container containing an internal pressure such as might be presented were the container to hold a gas, vapor or the like, that the effect of such internal pressure would beto tend to separate elements 3 and 4 from the bottom instead of from the top and thus the same would tend to bring the upper portions of such elements close together rather than apart, and thus to lock the closure more securely rather than to open same. Accordingly it will be understood that the embodiments of closure device constructions herein disclosed are of particularly good effect when employed on containers having an internal pressure since the effect of such pressure on the closure is to more securely lock the same rather than unlock it.

An inspection of the drawings generally will disclose that it is my intention that the final product such as the bag shown in Fig. 1 be the result of proper engagement of the bag or other container sides to the proper respective strips 3 and 4, by vulcanizing or by like process or by any suitable method of securement. It should also be understood that if vulcanizing processes are followed that the strips 3 and 4 can be joined together at their free ends to present a continuous closure as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Turning now toFigs. 8 and 9, it will be observed that in place of the hook-like protuberance l, I employ in this embodiment a protuberance 24 :Iutting out from the strip 4 over its length, which protuberance, when viewed in section is of such configuration, that it may be termed mushroom-like". This protuberance has a head 23 out of which develops an upper hook-like portion 23 and a lower hook-like portion 21. The channel, groove or slot 3 in this embodiment is of such configuration that the strip 3 is provided with a complementary upper hook-like portion 23 and a complementary lower hook-like portion 23. Said channel, groove or slot 3 also is so shaped as to provide a space or "by-pass 30 between the outermost surface of the protuberance's head 23 and the wall of the channel, groove or slot. This space or by-pass" will act to take up in part the tendency of the elements to become non-compressed, will insure close-fitting of elements and likewise will aid in providing sumcient play particularly in a horizontal direction so that upon penetration of the protuberance into the channel, groove or slot' 5, the hook-like portions 23 and 21 can proceed sufficiently far into the channel, groove or slot 5 as to clear the hook-like portions 28 and 23. While, of course, the parts are resilient and may be sufficiently so as to deform to the necessary degree by themselves and permit of the attainment of this result, still it is clear that the positive provision of such a space or by-pass" will materially aid in the accomplishment of the result. While, of course, such a space or "by-pass can be,

and in some instances I believe probably will be dispensed with, I nevertheless believe that its inclusion will be found desirable in most commercial constructions.

It will be understood that the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is such that the hook-like portion 26 of protuberance 24 is contemplated to engage with hook-like portion 28 of element 3, while, hook-like portion 21 is contemplated to engage with hook-like portion 29 of element 3. To effect closure, hook-like portion 26 will be compressed down against the"shank portion of protuberance 24 and hook-like portion 21 will be compressed up against such "shank" portion and hook-like portions 28 and 29, will each be compressed back. Upon disengagement, the upper hook-like portion 26 will tend to hold to hook-like portion 28 and likewise the lower hooklike portion 21 will tend to hold to the hook-like portion 29. It will thus be observed that in a single protuberance the configuration of the pro- I tuberance may be such as to provide an upper and lower locking action. It will be further understood that the manner of construction, use and operation of parts in this embodiment aside from the differences hereinabove just noted are substantially the same as that of the corresponding parts of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive.

Turning next to Figs. and 11, it will be observed that the protuberance in the embodiment there shown, is of such configuration that, when viewed in section, it may be termed lance-like". Thus, this protuberance 3| has an upper flat surface 32 and a hook portion 33 secured thereto at a relatively acute angle. The protuberance is formed with a lower flat surface 34 at a relatively obtuse angle with the lower surface of the "shank portion of the protuberance, against which surface a flat surface 34 of the hook-like portion 33 may be made to rest during the closing operation. Surfaces 34 and 33 are at a relatively acute angle with respect to each other, said angle converging upwardly.

Protuberance 3| is further formed with a fiat end 33. while the hook-like portion 33 has a downwardly sloping wall 330 which converges downwardly to the surface 33 at a relatively acute angle and walls 33a and 33 are arranged so that the portion 33 terminates in a rounded relatively sharp tip 31.

The channel, groove or slot 3 in this instance, instead of being of curvilinear-internal configuration, is composed of a plurality of relatively straight complementary walls against which corresponding protuberance surfaces are adapted to rest, thus, such channel, is provided with an upper horizontal wall 33 against which top wall of protuberance 3| is designed to ultimately abut and such channel is also provided with a sloping wall 39 against which the wall 33a is designed to ultimately abut. Element 3 is provided with a hook-like portion 40 contemplated for engagement with the hook-like tip portion 31. It will be understood in this embodiment that again all parts are deformable and that upon insertion of the protuberance 3| into the channel, groove or slot 5, that the hook-like portion 33 will tend to be folded back upon the shank" portion of such protuberance with the wall 33 being forced against the wall 34, and so disposed that the tip 31 may be passed over the hook-like portion 40 both of which as in previous embodiments are also adapted to becoming deformed and exerting upon each other reciprocal pressures incident to their respective tendencies to becoming non-compressed. 1!, as I intend, the walls 34 and 33 are at a relatively acute angle forming an indenture running into the body of the protuberance 3i, the effect thereof will be to substantially decrease the effective heighth of the penetrating end of this protuberance for penetration. It will of course be understood that once penetration has been effected, that the hook-like portion 33 will swing out from the "she of the protuberance 3| to render the parts as nomcompressed as possible.

It will be further understood that in this embodiment engagement is contemplated between the rounded relatively sharp tip portion 31 and the hook-like portion 40. In this embodiment a space or by-pass" 4i for uses and purposes similar to those previously described for other spaces or by-passes" is likewise provided. It will be understood that the "by-pass in this instance will likewise be helpful in permitting play so that the tip 31 may clear the hook-like portion upon penetration.

Turning next to Figs. 12 and 13, it will be found that the protuberance 42 here is of such configuration that when viewed in section it may be termed arrow-like. Thus the shank" of the protuberance 42 tapers into an arrow-like" head 42a having an upper portion 43 and a lower portion 44, each adapted to being folded back upon the tapered-down "shank portion of the protuberance 42. Each of elements 43 and 44 terminates in a relatively sharp hook-like portion designated 45 and 46 respectively. Element 3 is provided with a channel, groove or slot 5 of complementary configuration and said element 3 has an upper hook-like portion 41 and a lower hooklike portion 43. As it will be readily understood during penetration, elements 43 and 44 fold back g cred: 3

w r an s :ibiy more complete; and positive l o'cking efi 'e ct ai esses: e em nt; each s: winch; bllfifiubei f embridimentishdam @111; Fi mi t d 3 t 3 3 5 3 5 h? were p msub ersnc s gazirsnss mess-awn thatthieip'rfc a s preferably faciirgii in o ppo's edi assesses m :1: zbeiieive that? this was; be I found most desirable for attaining a secure locking eflect, although at this point, I desire to call attention to the fact that such an opposed relationship need not be necessarily followed unless desired. Thus, as will be appreciated the upper and lower protuberances may be arranged if desired to both face in the same direction, whether upwardly or downwardly.

In connection with Figs. 14 to 17 inclusive, I also desire to emphasize that there will probably be occasions where a single protuberance having a single hook-portion facing in a single direction will suffice, other occasions where a single protuberance having both upper and lower hook portions will be found necessary, and still other occasions where one or more protuberances having single or double hook portions are required.

Thus, as it will be readily understood the number of arrangements and combination of arrangements that are possible and may be found necessary or desirable is exceedingly great. Embodiments may be made of one, two, three or a greater number of protuberances, and the protuberances may be of the same or of different embodiments and any and all of the protuberances which I have disclosed may be employed. For example, protuberances of the type of the embodiments shown in Figs. 8 and 9 or 12 and 13 in double arrangement might be found desirable or combinations thereof might be employed either alone or with other embodiments. Likewise, it will be readily conceived that embodiments of configurations and shapes of protuberances other than those I have disclosed, but employing the prin- -J iermejn "a pro ems-dissent ofi.

angular sectional shape as shown in Figs. and 11 or circular sectional shape as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. In this connection I desire to point out that at times it might be found to be desirable to reinforce the respective strip elements 3 and 4 with a round wire or band spring embedded therein over the length thereof. Thus, each of said strip-like elements may be provided with a slot 55 and the elements 54 forced into the body of the strip, down the slot 56 prior to a closing oil. of the open end of the slot by vul-' canization alone or by the vulcanizing thereto of the sides I. Likewise, embedding of a reinforcing element can be obtained in any other suitable manner such as the disposition of such element in the mold, prior to molding of the strip therein if the strip is produced by molding rather than extruding processes. If this is done the strip is thereupon molded with the reinforcing element contained therewithin. Such reinforcing element, it should be understood, may be of a cross sectional shape other than round or rectangular, if desired.

In the event that a reinforcing strip is employed, the effect thereof will be to lend a more or less strip rigidity to a given strip length, so that the strip may be closed and opened over a more substantial length thereof by a closing or opening operation at a given strip section. Likewise, an effect of such a strip may be to preserve an open shape such as that shown in Fig. -2, to a complete closure construction when in opened condition, to wit: that of having the strips stand apart from each other, each one being belliedciples of my invention may be arrived at and on from the other, instead of being so soft and shrine-like; elemeniti 5! which: my be :91: Q I v deformable as to assume an irregular shape in the user's hand. To this end, of course. it will be understood, that reinforcing elements It may be initially so shaped prior to its inclusion in the strips as to give the closure strips the desired bellied-out configuration or such other configuration and shape as the circumstances may make desirable. It will of course be still further understood, that as hereinbefore indicated, in connection with the embodiments shown in Figs-4 to I, inclusive, that initial slight tension upon the parts of my closure device embodiments. when in closed condition, will have the effect of initially bringing them into a more firm and close locked engagement, prior to suilicient tension being applied to overcome the same and effect positive disengagement. It will be undertinually supply such initial tension and the parts will be'brought into much more firm and close locked condition. Accordingly, the employment of a reinforcing member may be found in some instances desirable for such purposes.

Besides the foregoing it should also be noted and understood that the bellied-out" eifect'just discussed, if found desirable or necessary, may also be obtained without the employment of reinforcing or shaping members, and, of course, without the employment of slots for the introduction of such members into the strip bodies. Thus, by shaping the closure strips during the molding and/or other shaping process in an appropriately preformed mold or by any other appropriate means adapted to give the strip the desired shape and form, the desired result may be attained and a flexible closure appropriately shaped in belly" form over its length may be secured without the employment of extrinsic means for stillening and shaping the closure structure into the specific desired shape. In this connection, it should be understood that if for example the strip is made by molding processes and if a preformed "bellied" mold is employed for molding that the strips may be initially molded to a belly" shape, or in fact to any other shape or form that may be desired and for which appropriate mold shape may be provided.

Since, as hereinbefore explained, the essential portion of each closure device lies in each case in the given protuberance and channel, it will likewise be understood that the elements for which it is desired to effect engagement may be optionally arranged in any position with respect to .a given protuberance and channel as will result in the desired closure being effected. Thus, by way of example side elements I might be secured, if found necessary or desirable to any part of a given strip, such as in positions parallel to or at an angle to top walls I3 and i4, respectively, or in any other suitable place or position. At this point it will be realized that even if it be desired to have a number of sheets or other elements of material extending radially from a given axis; that is, to say, with each sheet or element emanating radially from said axis, that a strip of substantially cylindrical form might even be employed as a center pole" or axis, which strip selectively may be provided either with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart peripheral protuberances or else channels, grooves or slots, while the corresponding sheets or other elements of material to be radially extended may be provided with either cooperating complementary channels, grooves or At this point I desire to emphasize the rm that materials and plastics of generally resilient nature of all types may be employed in the formation of the respective strips and that such strips could even possibly be built up into proper configurations out of proper laminations of material. It should accordingly be understood that this invention contemplates the employment of any and all processes of strip formation and manufacture as might be productive of the desired strips and accordingly that the manufacture of rubber or rubber composition strips by molding, extruding and vulcanization processes, as herein described should be considered as illustrative of possible desirable ways of manufacture.

Inasmuch as many changes may be made in the closure device constructions, as I have hereinabove from time to time pointed out and inasmuch as other changes might likewise be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention and inasmuch as many apparentlywidely and different embodiments within the scope of the invention may be made and still further inasmuch as my invention may reasonably be used in many fashions, materials and-for many purposes, it is intended that all matters hereinabove contained or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any way as limiting the invention itself.

The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described.

What I seek to secure by and claim for United States Letters Patent is: v

1. In a closure device of the type described, a resilient strip having a channel therein and a restricted opening to such channel in an outer surface of such strip, which opening is of a width narrower than the greatest width of the channel, said opening being defined by normally spaced apart lip-like portions adjacent the mentioned outer surface of such strip, one of such lip-like portions having a part thereof inwardly directed into said channel and forming a hook, a second strip, a resilient protuberance carried by said second strip, said protuberance having a shank portion and a hook-like portion joined to such shank portion, said shank portion extending outwardly from said second strip and being of a thickness substantially equal to the width of the aforementioned restricted opening in the first mentioned strip and said hook-like portion, after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing normally spaced apart from said shank portion and being of a thickness less than that of the shank portion; said strips being adapted to cooperative interengagement.

2. In a closure device of the type described, a strip having a channel therein and a restricted opening to such channel in an outer surface of such strip, which opening is of a width narrower than the greatest width of the channel, said opening being defined by spaced apart lip-like portions adjacent the mentioned outer surface of such strip, one of such lip-like portions having a part thereof inwardly directed into said channel and forminga hook, a second strip, a resilient protuberance carried by said second strip, said protuberance having a shank portion and a hooklike portion joined to such shank portion, said shank portion extending outwardly from said second strip and being of a thickness substantially equal to the width of the aforementioned restricted opening in the first mentioned strip and said hook-like portion after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing normally spaced apart from said shank portion and being of a thickness less than that of the shank portion; said strips being adapted to cooperative interengagement.

3. In a closure device ofthe type described, a resilient strip having a channel therein and a restricted opening to such channel in an outer surface of such strip, which opening is of a width narrower than the greatest width of the channel, said opening being defined by normally spaced apart lip-like'portions adjacent the mentioned outer surface of such strip, one of such lip-like portions having a part thereof inwardly directed into said channel and forming a hook. a second strip, a protuberance carried by said second strip, said protuberance having a shank portion and a hook-like portion joined to such shank portion, said shank portion extending outwardly from said second strip and being of a thickness substantially equal to the width of the aforementioned restricted opening in the first mentioned strip and said hook-like portion after its joined to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing spaced apart from said shank portion, and being of 'a thickness less than that of the shank portion; said strips being adapted to cooperative interengagement.

4. In a closure device of the type described, a resilient strip having a channel therein and a restricted opening to such channel in an outer surface of such strip, which opening is of a wldthnarrower than the greatest width of the channel, such opening being defined by normally spaced apart upper and lower lip-like portions adjacent the mentioned outer surface of such strip, the upper of such lip-like portions having a part thereof inwardly directed into said channel and forming an upwardly turned hook, and the lower of such lip-like portions having a part thereof inwardly directed into said channel and forming a downwardly turned hook, a second strip, a resilient protuberance carried by said second strip, said protuberance having a shank portion formed with upper and lower surfaces, an upper hook-like portion joined to such shank portion and a lower hook-like portion joined to such shank portion, said shank portion extending outwardly from said second strip and being of a thickness substantially equal to the width of the aforementioned restricted opening in the first mentioned strip, the upper of said hook? like portions, after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing normally spaced apart from the upper surface of said shank portion, and the lower of said hooklike portions after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing normally spaced apart from the lower surface of said shank portion, with each of said hook-like portions being of a thickness less than that of the shank portion; said strips being adapted to cooperative interengagement.

the channel is so configured at a part thereof, as to provide a clearance recess therein.

6. The structure recited in claim 4 characterized in that a substantial portion of the surface of the channel in the first mentioned strip consists in an upper plane surface and a lower plane surface, which plane surfaces converge in a direction inwardly from the outer surface of such strip; and further characterized in that, a substantial portion of each of the hook-like portions of the protuberance on the second mentioned strip, is defined by two plane surfaces which converge towards each other after the joinder of such hook-like portion to the shank portion.

7. The structure recited in claim 1 characterized in that a substantial portion of the surface of the channel in the first mentioned strip consists in an upper substantially horizontal plane surface and a lower inclined plane surface, which surfaces converge towards each other in a direc:

tion inwardly from the outer surface of such strip; and, further characterized in that the shank portion of the protuberance on the second mentioned strip has an upper substantially horizontal plane surface, and, in that, a substantial portion of the hook-like portion ofv such protuberance is defined by two plane surfaces which converge towards each other after the joinder of such hook-like portion to the shank portion.

8. The structure recited in claim 1 characterized in that the surface of the channel 'in section, is generally of curvilinear outline like a capital letter G; and, further characterized in that the protuberance in section, is generally of an outline like a capital letter J.

9. In a closure device of the type described, a resilient strip having an upper channel and a lower channel therein and an upper restricted opening to the upper channel and a lower restricted opening to the lower channel in an outer surface of such strip, each of said openings being of a width narrower than the greatest width of the channel to which it opens, and each of said openings being defined by normally spaced apart lip-like portions adjacent the outer surface of such strip, the upper of the lip-like portions defining the upper restricted opening having a part thereof inwardly directed into the upper channel towards the upper part of the surface thereof and forming a hook, and the lower of the lip-like portions defining the lower restricted opening having a part thereof inwardly directed into the lower channel towards the lower part of the surface thereof and forming a hook, a second strip, an upper resilient protuberance and a lower resilient protuberance carried by said second strip, each of said protuberances having a shank portion extending outwardly from said second strip and being of a thickness substantially equal to the width of the corresponding restricted opening in the first mentioned strip, an upper hook-like portion joined to the shank portion of the upper protuberance and after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed andstanding normally spaced apart from the upper surface thereof and being of a thickness less than that of such shank portion, and a lower hook-like portion joined to the shank portion of the lower protuberance and after its joinder to said shank portion, being reversely directed and standing normally spaced apart from the lower surface thereof and being of a thickness less than that of such shank portion; said strips being adapted to cooperative interengagement with the upper protuberance cooperating with the upper channel and the lower protuberance cooperating with the lower channel.

10. The structure recited in claim 1 characterized in that each of the mentioned strips is bowed longitudinally of its length and the strips are so disposed with respect to each other, that their respective bowed convexities face in opposite directions, whereby such strips are always urged 11. The structure recited in claim l characterized in that a preformed bowed flexible reinforcing element is embodied in each of the mentioned strips longitudinally of its length to how the same into convex form with the elements being so bowed and the strips so disposed, with respect to each other that their respective bowed convexities face in opposite directions, whereby such strips are always urged away from each other.

10 away from each other. DAVID FREEDMAN. 10

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,lhl .,755. January 2h, 1939.

DAVID FREEDMAN. It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 8 first column, line 50, for the word "joined" read joinder; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this hth day of April, A. D. 1959."

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents of the above numbered patent requir 5 4/ 1 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,11%755. January an, 1939.

DAVID FREEDMAN.

r appears in the printedspecifiestion ing correction as follows: Page 8, first and that the saici Let- It is hereby certified that erro column, line 50, for the word "joined" read joinder;

ters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this Lrtn day of April, A. D. 1939."

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Connnissioner of Patents. 

